Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle is described having four wheels, a drive axle, a power train which connects a vehicle engine to the drive axle via a transmission, a clutch, and an axle differential, a brake system, which can brake at least the wheels associated with the drive axle independently of the other wheels, a steering system which has a manual steering device, at which a driver can set a steering angle for steerable wheels, and a control system, which brakes at least the drive axle wheel inside the curve and generates a steering-supporting braking torque on this wheel below a predefined vehicle velocity and as of a predefined steering angle.  
     In order to improve the steering support, the control system monitors the status of the transmission and/or the clutch, the control system actuating the brakes of the appropriate wheel as a function of this status in order to generate the steering-supporting braking torque.

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a vehicle is described in European Patent 0 295 396 B1 and includes at least four wheels, at least one drive axle, one power train which connects a vehicle engine to the drive axle via a transmission, a clutch, and an axle differential, a brake system, which allows each wheel to be braked independently of the other wheels, a steering system, which has a manual steering device such as a steering wheel, at which a driver can set a steering angle for the steerable wheels, and a control system, which brakes at least the drive axle wheel inside the curve below a certain vehicle velocity, for example, 25 km/h, and as of a certain steering angle, for example, 90% of the maximum steering angle, and generates a steering-supporting braking torque on this wheel. In such a vehicle, single-sided braking of the vehicle can thus be performed through which a yaw moment into the curve to be traveled can be generated. The steering action set by the steering angle can thus be supported.

[0003] In such a vehicle, steering-supporting braking sequences are advantageously implemented using means that are already present in the vehicle. For example, such a steering-supporting brake system may be constructed using components of an antilock braking system or a traction control system.

[0004] German Patent Application 36 37 481 A1 describes a motor vehicle, in particular a tractor, equipped with a steering brake system in order to implement extremely small turning radii for the vehicle. In this vehicle, a steering brake reversing valve is designed so that it is functionally linked to a steering system of the motor vehicle, the steering brake reversing valve being activated by the steering system for a certain steering angle of the steered wheels. The wheel of the driven rear axle inside the curve is braked to achieve a steering-supporting braking torque.

[0005] Furthermore, German Patent Application 42 24 887 A1 describes a vehicle, in particular a farm tractor, which has an electrical and/or electronic controller which issues control signals to pressure medium-controlled brakes of the drive axle wheels, as a function of the steering angle, so that when a predefinable limit steering angle is exceeded, the rear axle wheel inside the curve is braked. Using these measures, the track arc diameter is reduced when traveling around a curve. The steering device preferably sets this steering-supporting braking action so that it continuously increases with an increasing steering angle.

[0006] If the left- and right-hand wheels are driven via an axle differential, which can be locked by a differential lock, it is advantageous if the locking action is suspended automatically by the electrical controller if in such a vehicle the controller issues a braking signal to one of the brakes to support steering.

[0007] The object of present invention is to provide a vehicle of the type named in the preamble so that the steering-supporting action of the brake intervention is improved.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the present invention by a vehicle having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The invention is based on the general idea of taking into account the status of the transmission gear contained in the power train and, additionally or as an alternative, the status of the clutch contained in the power train when setting the intensity of the steering-supporting braking torque. For example, if the clutch is disengaged and/or when the gear is set to neutral, the steering-supporting action can be improved if a different, in particular, stronger braking action is generated on the wheel inside the curve than when the vehicle is in gear and the clutch is engaged.

[0010] By taking into account the status of the transmission and/or the clutch, the steering-supporting action of the braking torque generated can thus be improved.

[0011] In a refinement of the present invention, the clutch can be controlled by a control system, the control system causing the clutch to be engaged if the clutch is disengaged in order to generate the steering-supporting braking torque. Taking into account the status when setting the intensity of the braking forces is thus also manifested in the clutch being engaged if required.

[0012] In another embodiment, the transmission can be controlled by a control system, the control system causing a gear to be engaged if the transmission was in neutral in order to generate the steering-supporting braking torque, a control system activating the clutch accordingly. In this embodiment, taking into account the status of the clutch and the transmission is basically manifested in a gear being automatically engaged by the control system if the transmission was in neutral.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous refinement, the control system can activate the engine, the transmission, and the clutch in order to generate the steering-supporting braking torque so that a steering-supporting drive torque is additionally generated on the drive axle wheel outside the curve. By this measure, in addition to the braking torque generated on the drive axle wheel inside the curve, an additional drive torque is generated on the drive axle wheel outside the curve, whereby the resulting steering torque can be increased overall. A dynamic driving situation (e.g., acceleration of the vehicle) intended by the driver can also be taken into account in a suitable manner.

[0014] In a vehicle whose power train is equipped with a controllable clutch and a controllable transmission, in particular with an automatic transmission having a torque converter, driving situations may arise in which the clutch and/or the transmission are operated so that no engine torque is transmitted to the drive axle. In such a driving situation, the above-mentioned refinement of the present invention is particularly noticeable, since when traveling along a (sharp) curve, the engine, transmission, and clutch can be controlled so that an engine torque is transmitted to the drive axle, the braking of the wheel inside the curve in conjunction with the axle differential resulting in the additional drive torque being generated on the wheel outside the curve. Even in other operating states of the vehicle in which an engine torque is transmitted to the drive axle through the engaged clutch and through an engaged gear, the present invention may generate an additional drive torque on the wheel outside the curve by adjusting the engine torque accordingly.

[0015] In a refinement of the present invention, the achievable steering torque can be increased by the fact that the control system additionally brakes the wheel inside the curve of at least one non-driven axle, generating a steering-supporting braking torque thereon.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system advantageously activates the engine and the clutch in order to support steering so that the variation of the sum of the drive torques generated on the drive axle wheels over time is constant. This can prevent vehicle responses that are unexpected by the driver.

[0017] In a refinement, in a vehicle that is equipped with an activatable additional drive axle, the control system activates the additional drive axle and a steering-supporting braking torque can also be generated on the wheel inside the curve of the activatable drive axle and a steering-supporting drive torque can be generated on the wheel outside the curve of the activatable drive axle in order to achieve steering support. With this measure, in vehicles with a plurality of drive axles, for example, off-road vehicles or all-wheel drive vehicles, the turning radius, for example, for parking or maneuvering, can be significantly reduced.

[0018] In a refinement of this embodiment, a center differential can be provided, which causes the rotational speed to be distributed between the driven front axle and the driven rear axle, this center differential having a differential lock that can be controlled by the control system, the control system operating this differential lock in order to lock the center differential and generate the steering-supporting drive torques. With this measure, constant speed ratios can be guaranteed at the front axle and the rear axle in order to achieve reproducibility of the steering-supporting action of the brake interventions and of drive torque generation.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, in a vehicle having an electronic traction control system, for example, ABS, ASR, ESP, the control system can be integrated in this traction control system in terms of its hardware and/or implemented in this traction control system in terms of its software. With this measure, in a vehicle having a traction control system, a steering-supporting braking torque, for example, in order to reduce the turning radius or improve maneuverability, can be implemented without additional units having to be installed in the vehicle. In the simplest case, it is sufficient to implement a software module in the traction control system. This makes it possible to retrofit the steering braking system function in a vehicle having a traction control system with minimum expenditure.

[0020] Further important features and advantages of the device according to the present invention are set forth in the subclaims, the drawings and the respective description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0021] It is understood that the above-named features and those to be explained in detail below can be used not only in the combination given, but also in other combinations or by themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the drawing and is described in detail in the description that follows.

[0023] The sole FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0024] According to FIG. 1, a vehicle 1, designed, for example, as a passenger car, has four wheels 2, which are indexed according to their arrangement with respect to a travel direction 3 symbolized by an arrow as follows: wheel 2 _(VL) designates the front left wheel; wheel 2 _(VR) designates the front right wheel; wheel 2 _(HL) designates the rear left wheel; wheel 2 _(HR) designates the rear right wheel.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment illustrated here, vehicle 1 has a rear axle 4 designed as a drive axle and a front axle 5 which can also be used as a drive axle. In a preferred variant, rear axle 4 is permanently used as a drive axle, while front axle 5 can be added as a drive axle as needed. However, a reverse or variable configuration or other all-wheel variations are also possible. Basically the present invention also operates in a vehicle having only one drive axle.

[0026] A power train 6 which transfers the engine torques from an engine 7 to rear axle 4 via a clutch 9 and a transmission 8 is provided to drive drive axles 4 and 5. The torque is transmitted to rear axle 4 via an axle differential 10, which can optionally be equipped with a differential lock 11. Torque is similarly transmitted to front axle 5 via an additional clutch 12 and an axle differential 13. This axle differential 13 can also be optionally equipped with a differential lock 14. Furthermore, an additional transmission 15 can be arranged on the side of power train 6 associated with front axle 5. In the embodiment illustrated here, the individual components of power train 6 are controllable, with appropriate conductors 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 being connected to a control system 23 which cooperates with power train 6 to operate and control components of power train 6. It is clear that this control system 23 may include a plurality of controllers or the like, which are connected via appropriate links to form a system, which is symbolically represented here as a rectangle for the purpose of simplification. The conductors include signal lines for transmitting signals and/or control lines for transmitting control commands.

[0027] The torque or rotational speed is distributed here between front axle 5 and rear axle 4 by a center differential 34, which can also have a differential lock 35, which can be operated by control system 23 via a control line 36.

[0028] Vehicle 1 is also equipped with a steering system 24, which has a manual steering device 25 designed as a steering wheel and is used for steering front wheels 2 _(VL) and 2 _(VR). Steering system 24 can be a conventional steering system, as schematically illustrated here, having a positive mechanical coupling between manual steering device 25 and steered vehicle wheels 2 _(VL), 2 _(VR); however, a steering system is also possible in which a controlled system forms an electronic link between the manual steering device and the steerable wheels (steer-by-wire steering). Steering system 25 is capable of detecting a steering angle set by the driver using manual steering device 25, for example, via wheel speed sensors or via a steering angle sensor 26. In addition or as an alternative, another steering angle sensor 27 can also be provided, which is associated with steerable wheels 2 _(VL) and 2 _(VR) and detects the steering angle set on the steerable wheels. Steering angle sensors 26 and/or 27 are connected to control system 23 via appropriate signal lines 28 and/or 29.

[0029] Furthermore, vehicle 1 is equipped with a brake system 30, which is symbolically illustrated here in a simplified manner by four brake disks 31 each associated with one wheel 2 and by four brake units 32 which cooperate with brake disks 31 and are each associated with one of wheels 2. The individual brake units 32 are connected to control system 23 via electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic control lines 33. For the sake of clarity, the individual brake units 32 and the respective control lines 33 are indexed like the respective wheels 2. These control lines 33 are preferably those control lines which are present in the vehicle anyway in the service brake system. Brake units 32 can be conventional hydraulic brake units with hydraulic control lines 33 operating brake units 32. Other components of the respective hydraulic system are not illustrated for the sake of simplicity. In another embodiment, brake units 32 can also be electrohydraulically operated, in which case electrical control lines 33 can operate brake units 32 directly by building up a hydraulic brake pressure there. Furthermore, electromechanical brake units 32 can also be provided, in which the braking torque is generated by an electric motor drive, for example. Also in this case, brake units 32 can be operated directly via electrical control lines 33. The same holds true for compressed air brakes.

[0030] Vehicle 1 according to the present invention operates as follows:

[0031] If the driver sets a steering angle on steerable wheels 2 _(VL) and 2 _(VR) via steering wheel 25, this can be detected by control system 23 via steering angle sensor(s) 26 or 27, for example. Control system 23 also permanently monitors the vehicle velocity, this information being available, for example, from conventional wheel sensors (e.g., of an antilock brake system) not illustrated here or the like. Provided the vehicle has a velocity that is less than a predefined limit velocity of 30 km/h, for example, and as soon as set steering angle 25 reaches and exceeds a predefined limit value of, for example, 50% of the maximum steering angle, control system 23 activates brake unit 32 of drive axle wheel 2 inside the curve. In the example shown here, the vehicle is to take a leftward turn in the forward direction. Since rear axle 4 represents the drive axle of vehicle 1, the rear left wheel 2 _(HL) is braked correspondingly. By braking wheel 2 _(HL) a braking torque M_(B) is generated on it, which is symbolized in FIG. 1 by a backward pointing arrow on wheel 2 _(HL) This braking torque M_(B) generates a steering torque M_(L) directed leftward with respect to the vertical axis of vehicle 1, which supports the steering action; this torque is symbolized by an arrow on the left next to the vehicle.

[0032] In addition, control system 23 of the preferred embodiment illustrated here is responsible for an additional drive torque M_(A) being transferred to wheel 2 _(HR) outside the curve of driven rear axle 4, whereby additional steering support is achieved. Additional drive torque M_(A) in wheel 2 _(HR) is symbolized by a forward pointing arrow. Control system 23 monitors, via lines 20 and 21, the instantaneous states of transmission 8 and clutch 9. If clutch 9 is disengaged, control system 23 causes clutch 9 to engage. If the transmission is in neutral, control system 23 operates transmission 8 so that an appropriate gear is engaged. In order to generate this additional drive torque M_(A), control system 23 activates clutch 9 and transmission 8 in an appropriate manner so that an appropriate drive torque can be introduced in wheel 2 _(HR) outside the curve via axle differential 10. The engine torque can also be additionally enhanced.

[0033] In the embodiment shown here, a brake intervention is thus performed on respective wheels 2 as a function of the status of clutch 9 and transmission 8. In another embodiment, which has no transmission 8 that can be controlled by control system 23, the brake intervention can also be performed as a function of the status in that the intensity of brake operation depends on whether or not a gear is engaged. The same holds true for an embodiment which has no clutch 9 that can be controlled by control system 23. Also in that case, the intensity the respective brake of intervention may depend on whether or not the clutch is engaged.

[0034] If a differential lock 11 is available and activated, it is deactivated via control system 23 in order to generate additional steering torque M_(L). In the case of an automatic transmission, clutch 9 can be formed by a torque converter lockup clutch of the automatic transmission.

[0035] Additional drive torque M_(A) introduced at wheel 2 _(HR) outside the curve is preferably selected so that a loss of propulsion caused by the one-sided brake intervention is compensated.

[0036] In addition to wheel 2 _(HL) inside the curve of driven rear axle 4, wheel 2 _(VL) inside the curve of non-driven front axle 5 can also be braked, whereby a braking torque M_(B) is also generated at this wheel. Wheel 2 _(HL) inside the curve of drive axle 4 is preferably braked stronger than wheel 2 _(VL) inside the curve of non-driven axle 5.

[0037] In vehicle 1 illustrated here, which is equipped with an activatable front-axle drive, the front-axle drive can also be switched on in order to enhance steering torque M_(L), which can be achieved, for example, by appropriate operation of clutch 12 by control system 23. Also in this case, a drive torque M_(A) is generated on the wheel outside the curve of front axle 5 via power train 6 and axle differential 13; the intensity of this drive torque depends in particular on the status of transmission 15. If a differential lock 14 is present, control system 23 is responsible for there being no lockup of axle differential 13 of front axle 5 in order to generate drive torque M_(A) on front axle 5.

[0038] In order to achieve a constant speed distribution at both drive axles 4 and 5 when the front drive is switched on, control system 23 may be designed so that it activates differential lock 35 of the center differential.

[0039] If vehicle 1 is equipped with a clutch 9, 12 which is disengaged in those operating conditions that require no drive power, for example, coasting, i.e., permit no direct transmission of torque between engine 7 and drive axle, control system 23 operates clutch 9, 12 to engage it in order to achieve a steering torque M_(L), so that a drive torque M_(A) can be transmitted to wheel 2 outside the curve via axle differential 10, 13 of the drive axle. The absolute value of this drive torque M_(A) is in particular at least equal to braking torque M_(B) generated at wheel 2 inside the curve of these drive axles 4, 5. This control system 23 will advantageously also check whether a gear is engaged in order to engage another gear prior to engaging the clutch. Control system 23 preferably activates engine 7 and the respective clutch 9 and/or 12 so that the driving operation intended by the driver, produced, for example, via the gas pedal position, is maintained constant, i.e., without perceptible jumps. This means that, for example, drive torque M_(A), generated additionally on wheel(s) 2 outside the curve is such that a vehicle deceleration caused by the steering-supporting braking is compensated and thus avoided. This may take place, for example, by increasing the engine torque generated by engine 7 accordingly. If control system 23 engages clutch 8 and/or 12 to generate a drive torque M_(A), a drag torque may be transmitted from engine 7 to the drive axle due to the drive operation intended by the driver. In order for this not to result in an undesired deceleration of vehicle 1, control system 23 can compensate for such a braking action by appropriately activating engine 7.

[0040] Depending on the safety philosophy pursued by the vehicle manufacturer, control system 23 may activate engine 7 and the respective clutch 9 and/or 12 so that the amount of additional drive torque M_(A) generated depends on the intensity of operation of brake system 30 to reduce the velocity of the vehicle. For example, it may be useful if no or only reduced additional drive torque M_(A) is generated at the wheels outside the curve, starting from a predefined value of braking deceleration of the vehicle which is initiated by the driver correspondingly actuating the brake pedal, in order not to extend the required overall braking distance in this manner.

[0041] In an advantageous refinement, control system 23 may act upon brake system 30 and power train 6 so that the amount of steering-supporting braking torque M_(B) and/or of steering-supporting drive torque M_(A) depend on the operating parameters of vehicle 1; these operating parameters can be the vehicle velocity and/or the vehicle acceleration and/or the steering angle and/or the direction of travel, for example. Preferably different steering torques can be generated for slow travel, crawling speed, and maneuvering operation. It could also be useful to deactivate single-sided steering-supporting brake operation when reversing.

[0042] One great advantage of the arrangement for generating steering-supporting braking torques M_(B) and/or steering-supporting drive torques M_(A) presented herein can be seen in the fact that this arrangement can be integrated in the electronic traction control system of vehicle 1 at a relatively low cost. Systems such as ABS, ASR, ESP are already standard in today's vehicles. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle having at least four wheels (2), at least one drive axle (4, 5), a power train (6) which connects a vehicle engine (7) to the drive axle (4, 5) and has at least one transmission (8, 15), at least one clutch (9, 12), and at least one axle differential (10, 13), a brake system (30), which can brake at least the wheels (2) associated with a drive axle (4, 5) independently of the other wheels (2), a steering system (24), which has a manual steering device, e.g., a steering wheel (25), at which a driver can set a steering angle for steerable wheels (2), a control system (23), which determines a need for steering support below a predefined vehicle velocity and as of a predefined steering angle and brakes at least the drive axle (4, 5) wheel (2) inside the curve and generates a steering-supporting braking torque (M_(B)) on this wheel, wherein the control system (23) monitors the status of the transmission (8, 15) and/or the clutch (9, 12), the control system (23) actuating the brakes of the appropriate wheel (2) as a function of this status in order to generate the steering-supporting braking torque (M_(B)).
 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the clutch (9, 12) can be controlled by a control system (23), the control system (23) causing the clutch (9, 12) to be engaged if the clutch (9, 12) is disengaged and a need for steering support is determined.
 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the transmission (8, 15) can be controlled by a control system (23), the control system (23) causing a gear to be engaged if the transmission was in neutral and a need for steering support is determined, the control system (23) activating the clutch (9, 12) accordingly.
 4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, if a need for steering support is determined, the control system (23) activates the transmission (8, 15) and the clutch (9, 12) so that a steering-supporting drive torque (M_(A)) is additionally generated on the drive axle (4, 5) wheel (2) outside the curve.
 5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the control system (23) activates the engine (7), the transmission (8, 15), and the clutch (9, 12) in order to support steering so that the absolute value of the drive torque (M_(A)) is approximately equal to that of the braking torque (M_(B)).
 6. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle (1) has a front drive or a rear drive or an all-wheel drive.
 7. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control system (23) additionally brakes the wheel (2) inside the curve of at least one non-driven axle (4, 5), generating a steering-supporting braking torque (M_(B)) thereon.
 8. The vehicle according to one claims 1 to 7, wherein the control system (23) activates the engine (7), the transmission (8, 15), and the clutch (9, 12) in order to support steering so that the variation of the sum of the drive torques generated on the drive axle wheels (2) over time is constant.
 9. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control system (23) activates the engine (7), the transmission (8, 15), and the clutch (9, 12) in order to support steering so that the size of the drive torque (M_(A)) generated depends on the extent of operation of the brake system (30) intended to reduce the vehicle speed.
 10. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control system (23) activates the engine (7), the transmission (8, 15), and the clutch (9, 12) in order to support steering so that the size of the steering-supporting braking torque (M_(B)) and/or the size of the steering-supporting drive torque (M_(A)) depends on the operating parameters of the vehicle (1).
 11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the operating parameters are the vehicle velocity and/or the vehicle acceleration and/or the steering angle and/or the direction of travel.
 12. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, if an axle differential (10, 13) having a controllable differential lock (11, 14) is present, the control system (23) operates the differential lock (11, 14), unlocking the axle differential (10, 13) in order to generate the steering-supporting drive torque (M_(A)).
 13. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, in a vehicle (1) having an activatable additional drive axle (4, 5), the control system (23) activates the additional drive axle (4, 5) and generates steering-supporting braking torques (M_(B)) on the drive axle (4, 5) wheels (2) inside the curve and generates steering-supporting drive torques (M_(A)) on the drive axle (4, 5) wheels (2) outside the curve in order to achieve steering support.
 14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein a center differential (34) is provided, which causes the rotational speed to be distributed between the driven front axle (5) and the driven rear axle (4), the center differential (34) having a differential lock (35) that can be controlled by the control system (23), the control system (23) operating this differential lock (35) in order to lock the center differential (34) and generate the steering-supporting drive torques (M_(A)).
 15. The vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the vehicle (1) has an electronic traction control system, for example, ABS, ASR, ESP, and the control system (23) is integrated in this traction control system in terms of its hardware and/or implemented in this traction control system in terms of its software. 